Do short-term vacation renters in Arizona have the same rights as long-term tenants?

Short-term vacation renters (under 30 days) do not have all the rights of traditional tenants under Arizona law, but are still protected by safety and anti-discrimination laws.

What should I do if my deposit is not returned in a short-term rental?

Request your deposit in writing. If not returned within 14 business days and there is no damage, file a complaint with the Arizona Department of Housing or pursue a claim in Justice Court.

Can my rental be ended without notice in a short-term agreement?

Notice periods for vacation rentals under 30 days depend on your written agreement or the rental platform terms, not standard state laws.

Who do I contact for unsafe conditions in my short-term rental?

Contact your landlord or host first. If unresolved, contact local code enforcement or file a complaint with the Arizona Department of Housing.

Tenant Rights in Arizona Short-Term Vacation Rentals

Special Housing Types & Situations Arizona published June 21, 2025

As a renter in Arizona using a short-term vacation rental—sometimes called an STR or Airbnb/VRBO—you have both rights and responsibilities. Arizona law provides specific rules for these settings, and it’s important to know your legal protections, especially around issues like eviction, deposits, and maintenance. This guide answers common questions and outlines key resources to help Arizona renters.

What Qualifies as a Short-Term Vacation Rental in Arizona?

In Arizona, a short-term vacation rental is generally a rental of residential property for fewer than 30 consecutive days. These might be booked through platforms (like Airbnb or VRBO) or directly with landlords. Short-term rentals are governed by different regulations than month-to-month or annual leases.

Key Laws Protecting Short-Term Renters in Arizona

Arizona’s main residential rental laws are found in the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Arizona Revised Statutes Title 33, Chapter 10). However, this Act largely applies to rentals of 30 days or more. For true short-term vacation rentals (under 30 days), common protections—such as the right to written notice for eviction or specific deposit rules—may not apply in full. However, city or county rules and fair housing laws still provide protections against discrimination or unsafe conditions.

Your Rights as a Short-Term Renter

Right to a Safe and Habitable Unit: Regardless of rental length, you are entitled to basic safety and health standards. If the property is unsafe, contact local code enforcement or the Arizona Department of Housing.
Protection from Discrimination: It is illegal for a landlord or host to discriminate based on race, religion, nationality, gender, family status, or disability under federal Fair Housing laws and Arizona statutes.
Written Agreement: Even with short stays, get your terms clearly in writing—this may include emails or platform correspondence.
Deposit Returns: Arizona law requires deposits for furnished vacation rentals (30 days or less) to be returned within 14 business days after the end of the stay, unless damages occur.
Eviction/Termination: For stays under 30 days, landlords are not always required to provide the standard 5- or 10-day notices. Review any written contract and local ordinances for additional protections.

Tip: Always keep all communications with your landlord or host, and take dated photos when you move in and out for documentation.

Common Legal Issues for Arizona Short-Term Vacation Renters

Early Termination by Landlord: Check your written agreement for notice requirements. Some platforms also require hosts to give advance notice.
Unlawful Entry: Landlords cannot enter occupied units without consent, except in emergencies. For short-term stays, this is often handled by platform rules, but local law may still apply. If a landlord or host enters unreasonably, document the incident and contact local authorities if needed.
Health and Safety Complaints: If your unit is unsafe, contact local code enforcement. The Arizona Department of Housing Complaint Process can also help with substandard rentals.

Relevant Official Forms for Arizona Vacation Renters

Arizona Housing Complaint Form (No number): Used to report unsafe or unsanitary vacation rentals. File online or download the form from the Arizona Department of Housing. For example, if you discover bedbugs, mold, or missing safety equipment, complete this form and submit it for investigation.
Fair Housing Discrimination Complaint (HUD Form 903): If you believe you have experienced discrimination, you can submit HUD Form 903 online via the HUD website or through the Arizona Fair Housing Program. Describe in detail the type of discrimination and the contact you had with your landlord or host.

What Agency Handles Rental Disputes in Arizona?

While short-term rentals are sometimes exempted from state residential landlord-tenant law, renters may still file complaints for safety or discrimination. The Arizona Department of Housing investigates complaints for both traditional and vacation rentals. Local city code enforcement offices may also handle urgent safety issues.

If a dispute moves toward legal proceedings (such as small claims for withheld deposits or damages), Arizona Justice Courts handle most landlord-tenant matters. See Arizona Courts Landlord-Tenant Self-Service Center for more details.

Arizona Laws and Where to Find Them

The Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (A.R.S. Title 33, Chapter 10)
Arizona Fair Housing Laws and Complaint Information
Arizona Attorney General’s Fair Housing Division

Frequently Asked Questions about Short-Term Vacation Rentals

Do short-term vacation renters in Arizona have the same rights as long-term tenants?
Short-term vacation renters (under 30 days) do not have all the rights of traditional tenants under the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, but are still protected by basic safety and anti-discrimination laws.
What should I do if my deposit is not returned in a short-term rental?
First, request your deposit in writing from your landlord or host. If it’s not returned within 14 business days (and there’s no damage), you can file a complaint with the Arizona Department of Housing or pursue a claim in Justice Court.
Can my rental be ended without notice in a short-term agreement?
For most vacation rentals under 30 days, notice periods are controlled by your rental agreement or the platform you used. Check your written terms; standard state notice rules may not apply.
Who do I contact for unsafe conditions in my short-term rental?
Start with your landlord or host. If the issue is urgent or ignored, contact local code enforcement or file a complaint with the Arizona Department of Housing.
Are there any protections against discrimination in Arizona short-term rentals?
Yes, the Arizona Fair Housing Act and federal laws prohibit discrimination based on protected classes in nearly all types of rental housing.

Key Takeaways for Arizona Short-Term Vacation Renters

Most tenant protections for STRs depend on your length of stay and written contract.
Always document agreements and communications, and know where to file complaints if needed.
Agencies like the Arizona Department of Housing and Justice Courts can help resolve issues.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Arizona Department of Housing Complaint Form – For reporting unsafe or unsanitary vacation rentals.
Arizona Fair Housing Program – For discrimination issues or general fair housing questions.
Arizona Justice Courts Landlord-Tenant Forms – For deposits, damages, or disputes involving short-term rentals.
Arizona Attorney General: Civil Rights / Fair Housing – Information and assistance with protected rights.